Statue of Christ the King, Art Deco religious monument in Les Houches, France.
The Statue of Christ the King is a 25-meter tall reinforced concrete monument with gold details standing on a forested mountainside at 1200 meters elevation. Inside the structure is a small chapel with an altar and religious sculptures.
Artist Georges Serraz designed this monument in the 1930s, funded by public donations and inaugurated in 1934. After World War II, a large bell was added to the structure, which has rung ever since.
The small interior chapel holds religious artwork and statues that visitors can see up close, reflecting the faith that shaped this place. The space feels like a quiet retreat where people have come to pray and find peace.
A hike of about 45 minutes from Les Houches train station leads to the monument along the Chemin des Eaux-Rousses path through forest. The uphill walk is steep, so proper footwear and good fitness help make the journey more comfortable.
A two-tonne bell installed after the war rings regularly from the structure, and its sound travels across the valleys below. Many people in the region mark their days by hearing this distinctive bell.
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